Internet titan Google has lifted the veil on its much-anticipated Chrome OS project…in part by releasing the project as open source under the name Chromium OS to encourage developers and partners to hop on board. In doing so, Google has also revealed some of what will be included in Chrome OS when it hits the streets a year from now…and what users won’t be seeing.
Category: Software
Windows Update Security Fixes Pass up Windows 7
Microsoft’s newest computer operating system has survived its first few weeks on the market without needing any security fixes.
Microsoft Corp. plugged several security holes Tuesday, but none are aimed at Windows 7, which was released Oct. 22.
That’s to be expected, said Ben Greenbaum, a researcher at the antivirus software company Symantec Corp. “Attackers will take more time to figure out ways of breaking into Windows 7,” he said.
Computer users can get the patches through Microsoft’s automatic-update service, or by visiting microsoft.com/security.
Mac OS X 10.6.2 Update Released Today
Apple released a relatively important update today, 10.6.2 for Snow Leopard. Among the numerous fixes, the update now addresses data loss from the system when using a guest account. There are several upset users on the net reporting that the bug caused people to log out unexpectedly, search results not showing Exchange contacts and even video playback performance issues. The list below shows a number of serious issues that are hopefully now resolved.
Apple unfortunately has not added Intel Atom support for those of you planning on adding OS X to a non-Apple system (you know who you are).
Firefox Now The Most Vulnerable Browser?
The number of security vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Web browser were so numerous for so long that it was routinely flagged as the most vulnerable Web browser on the market—in no small part because it was also the most widely-used browser on the market. However, competitors like Firefox have been gradually eroding Microsoft’s browser share…and now they’re starting to feel more security pressures themselves. In fact, Web security firm Cenzic has just released its application security vulnerability report for the first half of 2009 (PDF), and guess what browser tops the list? Firefox.
Apple to End OS X Intel Atom Support to Block Hackintosh Community
Apple is in a constant battle with unlockers in the form of both independent enthusiasts and rival companies. It recently succeeded in killing iPhone jailbreaking for the time being and cutting off the Palm Pre from iTunes. However, to its dismay, Psystar is selling a software hack to trick Apple’s Snow Leopard OS into being easily installed on PCs.
Now, Apple is reportedly preparing a new release of OS X Snow Leopard (10.6.2) to try to kill a growing section of the Hackintosh community.
Sony Ericsson Projects Its Spider PC Concept
Portable electronics are in high demand– and if your netbook or smartphone isn’t portable enough for you, Sony Ericsson’s new prototype may have what you’re looking for. Sony Ericsson debuted its Spider PC concept at the Taiwan Broadband Show today. The Spider PC is a portable computer that uses a pico-projected screen and laser-projected keyboard– it also has the basics like wireless broadband connectivity and a battery. The concept is not exactly complete: ideally Sony Ericsson wants the proctor to fit into this spider-esque stand, so the actual computer would be a bout the size of a compact umbrella.
Best Windows 7 Laptops, Desktops, and DIY Home or Business PCs
Suddenly as of late, I’ve been getting a raft of questions about which particular laptop and PC models stand out for use with Windows 7. It must be shopping time, and my guess is that a bunch of you are tired of the aging desktop and notebook products you are using and are now on the hunt for something new. Here, I’ll walk you through the products that I think stand out in this regard, from low-cost netbooks to business laptops, desktops, and the sweetest DIY options out there. And away we go…
Microsoft Backs Out of Sponsoring Family Guy Special
Software titan Microsoft has been blitzing the media to let the world know Windows 7 is available and the company thinks people should buy it. Part of that media blitz was to include sponsoring a one-off comedy special on the Fox network, Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show on November 8. However, on actually seeing a recording of the show, Microsoft has now withdrawn its sponsorship, saying that the content was not a good match with the Windows brand.
Psystar’s Rebel EFI Offers to Put Snow Leopard on Everyday PCs
Florida’s Psystar is mired in an increasingly preposterous legal battle with Apple over marketing Mac clones. Apple sued Psystar, Psystar sued Apple (that was eventually thrown out, and the company appears to have applied for bankruptcy protection while it gets ready to go to court. Psystar might be back on its heels, but that doesn’t mean the company is ceasing to innovate! Psystar is now offering Rebel EFI, a $50 application that enables “smooth interfacing between operating systems and generic Intel hardware.” In practical terms, that means it enables users to install Mac OS X on non-Apple hardware…an action Apple is likely to view as a violation of Mac OS X’s license agreement.
Microsoft Copies Apple With Windows 7 Launch Surprises
I’m at the Windows 7 launch event as I write this, where Microsoft has clearly taken a page from Apple’s playbook. It has held back a number of things in the months running up to Windows 7, so the launch wouldn’t be a rehash of things we’ve seen for months. This is historically been one of the key marketing advantages Apple has: Because it doesn’t do public beta tests, it can release a product and surprise you with its new features. Granted, with Leopard and Snow Leopard, part of the “surprise” was how buggy they were.
